Salaries: IGP threatens banks

Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar has threatened to withdraw police accounts domiciled in some commercial banks for deliberately delaying payment of monthly salaries to policemen.

The affected banks are First Bank, Skye Bank, UBA and Zenith Bank. Abubakar was said to have summoned officials of the banks to the Force Headquarters to register his displeasure.

In a statement yesterday by Force spokesman Frank Mba, the IGP described the bank’s failure to release the salaries as a conspiracy against the Force.

Abubakar said the situation has continued to expose police officers and men to undue pressure and extreme difficulties.

“The IGP warned the banks and their personnel of the dire consequences, including, but not limited to a reconsideration of the existing relationship between the Force and the banks if the situation persists”, the statement said.

The police boss was particularly peeved that the Federal Government has been releasing police salaries early enough, only for the banks to deliberately delay payment.

The statement added that with the e-payment system currently in place, all police officers receive their salaries directly through the banks.